Dr. Shernaz Cama

Research Projects:

  • Made member of the International Advisory Group of the European Research Council Project – “Multimedia Yasna” in 2017. The Principal Investigator is Prof Almut Hintze Of SOAS . Dr Cama is in charge of the India Section for Research and Recording. This is a long term research Programme.
  • Ministry of Minority Affairs Project – Jiyo Parsi Phase – 2, 2017 onwards. PI & Director as Director UNESCO Parzor.
  • Ministry of Minority Affairs – Hamari Dharohar – Protecting Parsi Heritage: Navsari, 2018. PI & Director as Director UNESCO Parzor.
  • Co Chair, Return to Roots Programme, 2014 to date.
  • International Coordinator of the Everlasting Flame International Progamme, 2015-2016.

Keynote Address:

  • Cama, S. Zoroastrian Heritage and the Parsis- Encounter India Programme, Mahindra United World Colleges, on 16th July, 2017, Delhi.SC
  • Cama, S. Zoroastrianism in the New Millenium, September 23rd , 2017,Calcutta.
  • Cama, S. Jiyo Mobed, on 19th November 2017, Mumbai.
  • Cama,S. The Diver: Adrienne Rich’s Feminism for a new Age, Invited Inaugural lecture, National Webinar Series on American Literature for Research Scholars, Providence College, 4th to 9th Jan2021.
  • Cama, S. Care for Creation: the Zoroastrian Tradition, Parallel Event, UN NGO CSW 65th Session, United Nations virtual platform for Women Studies, 2021.
  • Cama, S. Ethics in Practice: Heritage Conservation Young Scholars’ Workshop on Indo-Afghan Futures, Invited Special Lecture, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), Lecture for Students in Afghanistan &India, 2021.
  • Cama, S. Painting with a Needle, Zoom Presentation, ZAMWI, Zoroastrian Association of Washington, Zoroastrians of Washington, 2021.
  • Cama,S. JLF Brave New World’s Voices of Faith Series: The Faith and Philosophy of Zoroastrianism, International Webinar, JLF, Voices of Faith Series, JLF, 2021.
  • Cama, S. Prayers at the Opening Session, The Waters of Life: Zoroastrian Ecological Tenets, Online Programme, Toronto, POWR, Parliament of World Religions: Head of Parzor/ Indian Parsi Team, POWR, Ecology and religion, 2021.
  • Cama, S. From Faith to Interfaith’ / ‘Aaasthaa se Sarv Aaasthaa kee Or, Webinar, ‘Inclusive thinking series’, Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, New Delhi, Interfaith Dialogues, 2021.
  • Cama,S. Interfaith for Zoroastrianism, Programme Series of Dr. Karan Singh, Sansad TV, Ekam Sath Interview of Dr. Cama by Dr. Karan Singh, Rajya Sabha TV (Hindi), 2021.
  • Cama, S. Our Very Own Episode 8: Dr. Shernaz Cama, Media on You Tube, Prominent Zoroastrians Interviewed for You Tube, Mazda Multi Media, 2021.
  • Cama, S. The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam: A Bridge between the East and the West, Guest of Honour at Conference, Indian Institute of Persian Studies, IIPS, JNU & IIC, IIC Annexe, 2022.
  • Cama, S. Enactment of the Haft Sheen Table, Intangible Cultural Heritage, ICH Festival, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, ICH, Kaleidoscope, 2022.
  • Cama, S. Parsi embroidery- A Heritage of Humanity, Presentation in Person by invitation, Exeter, UK, South Asia Centre and Department of Drama, Cultural Heritage, 2022.
  • Cama, S. Parsi embroidery, Presentation in Person by invitation, Zoroastrian Trust Funds Europe, ZTFE, London, Cultural Heritage, 2022.
  • Cama. S. Navroze: Cooperation Across Countries, Paper & International Conference- Presented Online, International Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage, ICICH, Malaysia. Paper has been published in the Proceedings, The Department of National Heritage in collaboration with UNESCO Office in Jakarta University of Malaysia, Kelantan, 2022.
  • Cama, S. Hansraj College University of Delhi, Mahatma Hansraj Faculty Development Centre for two days Workshop on Classical Literature. Title – An Overview of the Greek World & its Humanist Heritage Through Homer, European Classical Literature, 2023.
  • Cama, S. Invited by Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune for attending the series of Foundation Week lectures. Her presentation was in ‘An Overview of Western Literature’, 2023.
  • Cama, S. Invited by TISS, School of Health System Studies & National Health Mission, Odisha for addressing the Data & Information Management Programme Executive Government Health Care Managers. She delivered the Valedictory Key Note Address on 2nd February entitled Hurvatat & Ameratat: Health Systems & Knowledge, 2024.
  • Cama, S. Invited from Global Peace Foundation as nominated to serve as an Honorary Advisory Board Member of the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Publication Project. Advisory Board of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Publication Project meeting was held at IIC, New Delhi, 2024.

Memberships:

  • Fellow, Ancient India and Iran Trust, Cambridge, UK.
  • Department Research Council, Department of English, University of Delhi.
  • Advisor, Fulbright Educational Programme, USIEF
  • Honorary Research Fellow, College of Humanities, University of Exeter, UK

Books Authored/Edited:

  • Cama, S. (May 2016). ‘Threads of Continuity: Zoroastrian Life and Culture’, ISBN: 978-81-910957-2-2.
  • Lilaowala, A.Z. and Cama, S. (2013). Threads of Continuity: The Zoroastrian Craft of Kusti Weaving. Delhi: Parzore Foundation (ISBN: 9788191095715).
  • Sengupta, D. & Cama, S. (Eds.) (2003). Blake, Wordsworth and Coleridge, Delhi: Worldview Publications. (ISBN: 81-86423-75-3)
  • Cama, S. & Mathus, S.C. (1998) (Eds.). The Muse and Minorities: Social Concerns and Creative Cohesion. New Delhi: Steering Committee, The Muse and Minorities. (ISBN: 81-87129-02-6)

Chapters in a Book:

  • Cama, S. (May 2016). ‘Parsi Textiles and Embroidery’ was published in The Everlasting Flame: Zoroastrianism in History and Imagination: Supplement ed. by Sarah Stewart, Ursula Sims Williams, Pheroza Punthakey Mistree, Published by SOAS, National Museum New Delhi and British Library.
  • Cama, S. (2014). Sacred spaces: Diversity of religious traditions. In A. N. Balslev (Ed.). On World Religions: Diversity, Not Dissension (pp. 73-84). New Delhi: Sage. (ISBN: 978-81-321-1834-3)
  • Cama, S. (2014). Sacred Armour: Ritual garments of the Parsi Zoroastrians. In J. Dhamiji (Ed.). Sacred Textiles of India (pp. 38-50). Delhi: Marg Publications. (ISBN: 9383243015)
  • Cama, S. (2014). Parsi Embroidery: An intercultural amalgam. In M. Louise, N. Z Feng & L. Vardarjan (Eds.). Global Textile Encounters (pp 263-275). Copenhagen: Oxbow Books (ISBN: 978-1-78297-735-3).
  • Cama, S. (2010). The Embroidery Cupboard: Oral Accounts of Parsi Embroidery. In S. Shah (Ed.). Peonies and Pagodas (pp. 176-183). Surat: Garden Silk Mills in association with TAPI Collections. (ISBN: 978-81-905935-1-9Ms.

Articles in Newspapers/ Popular Magazines:

  • Cama, S. (2011). ‘Women: Keepers of the Flame’, Synergy Z, Journal of the World Zarthushti Chamber of Commerce, Vol 10, September, 2011.
  • Cama, S. (2008). ‘The Parsi Zoroastrians of India’, Expat Magazine, Vol. II. Issue 3. August, 2008.
  • Cama, S. (2008). ‘Parsi Crafts’, Power of Creativity for Sustainable Development (UNESCO), Vol. II. August, 2008.
  • Cama, S. (2008). ‘Human Values and Zoroastrianism’, Education in Human Values: A Coursebook for Training of Master Trainers, Sai International Centre, June, 2008.
  • Cama, S. (2008).‘Oral Traditions of the Parsi Zoroastrians’, Proceedings of the International Conference of National Trusts, INTACH, 2008.
  • Cama, S. (2007). ‘Dastur Dr. Firoze Kotwal: An Interview’, Kriti Rakshana: National Mission for Manuscripts, Vol. III, No. 1and 2, August and October 2007.
  • Cama, S. (2006). ‘The Emblem of the Parsi Religion’, Journal of the Commission for InterReligious Dialogue, April, 2006.
  • Cama, S. (2002).‘Medicine: Traditional and Modern’, Hamazor, Vol. XXIV. Issue 4, 2002.
  • Cama, S. (2001).‘Pictures with a Purpose’, India International Centre Diary, Vol. XV No. 4 July/Aug. 2001
  • Cama, S. (2001). ‘William Blake’s Minor Prophecies’, Aligarh Critical Miscellany, Vol. XIV, No. 1, 2001.
  • Cama, S. (2000). ‘The Stranger from Paradise’, Aligarh Critical Miscellany, Vol. XIII No. 2, 2000.
  • Cama, S. (1999). ‘Part of the Mosaic’, India International Centre Quarterly, Vol. 26 No.2 Summer 1999
  • Cama, S. (1999).‘Legacy of Zarathushtra’, India International Centre Diary, Vol. XIII No. 4, July/August 1999.
  • Cama, S. (1997).‘Skimming the Slopes’, Namaskar, May/June 1997.
  • Cama, S. (1996).‘The Muse and the Minorities’, India International Centre Diary, Volume X. No. 5. September/October, 1996.
  • Cama, S. (1995). ‘The Emergence of Consciousness: Parallels in Zoroastrian Myth and Blake’s Jerusalem’, Aligarh Critical Miscellany, Vol. 8, No. 2, 1995.
  • Cama, S. (1994).‘Byzantium: Symbolic Confluences’, India International Centre Diary, Volume 8, No. 1. February, 1994.
  • Cama, S. (1994). ‘Browning Revisited’, Femina, 8th January, 1994.
  • Cama, S. (1993). ‘Monsoon Memories’, Hindustan Times, 27th July, 1993.

Papers Presented in National/International Conferences:

  • Cama, S. (2014). Sacred Spaces: Interdependence not Dissension. Zoroastrian Representative at the International ICCR Interfaith Conference on World Religions ‘Diversity Not Dissension, New Delhi, 7th- 9th March 2013.
  • Cama, S. (2014). Navroze, two day UNESCO Conference ‘Celebrating 10 Years of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’, New Delhi, December, 2014.
  • Cama, S. (2014). Sacred Armour: Relevance in a Changing World, presented at the SOAS International Conference ‘Looking Back: Zoroastrian Identity formation through Recourse to the Past’, London, 11th-12th October, 2014.
  • Cama, S. (2013). Celebrating a Treasure: 140 Years at the First Dastoor Meherjirana Library, International Seminar, Navsari, Gujarat, 12- 15th January, 2013.
  • Cama, S. (2009). A Zoroastrian view on Conservation of Natural Elements: Tankas of Bharuch, (co-authored), International Conference, ‘Faith & Water’, of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), Salisbury, England, July, 2009.
  • Cama, S. (2009). Do we need a World Religion: The Zoroastrian Perspective, International Conference on ‘Unity of Faiths, Sai International Centre’. It was published in ‘Towards an Age of Spirituality: Papers Presented at International Conference of Unity of Faiths 2009’, Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Human Values New Delhi, 2009. The book was released by Former President Abdul Kalam.
  • Cama, S. (2007). Oral Traditions of the Parsi Zoroastrians, at the 12th International Conference of National Trusts of INTO, in the Intangible Heritage Session, New Delhi, 3-5th December 2007.
  • Cama, S. (2007). Sacred Space: Interdependence, Harmony and Conservation and Role of Religion and Spirituality in Promoting Universal Human Values, South Asia Interfaith Harmony Conclave, New Delhi, April 21st and 22nd 2007.
  • Cama, S. (2004). The Meherjirana Library, at World Zoroastrian Conference, San Jose, USA December, 2004.
  • Cama, S. (2002). Indian Education and Multiculturalism: Differences are not Divisions, National Seminar ‘Elementary Education: Shaping a Vision’ held by the Department of Elementary Education, Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, 22-23rdJanuary, 2002.

Seminars:

  • Cama, S. (2021). Zoroastrianism Special, Himalayan & Central Asian Studies – GUEST EDITOR, Journal of Himalayan Research & Cultural Foundation, NGO with ECOSOC United Nations
  • Cama, S. (2021). Hamkars: Fellow Workers For Humanity, FEZANA Journal.
  • Cama, S. The Waters of Life: The Zoroastrian Qanat & Tanka, FEZANA Journal.
  • Cama, S. (2021). An Ancient Spiritual Bond: The Yasna and the Yagna of Iran and India, Journal of Himalayan Research Cultural Foundation, Himalayan & Central Asian Studies.
  • Cama, S. (2022). The Dawn of History: Zoroastrianism – Idea and Impact, International Journal of Enhanced Research in Educational Development (IJERED).
  • Cama, S. (2022). Tangible Intersection of India & Iran: The Meherjirana Library, Cultural Dialogue: English Quarterly Journal, Pub: Iran Culture House, New Delhi in cooperation with AllamehTabataba’i University (A.I.U) Iran & J.N.U. New Delhi.
  • Cama, S. (2022). Joyous Creation: Animals in Embroidery, FEZANA Journal.
  • Cama, S. (2022). Celebrating Nature in Parsi Embroidery- All things Great & Small, Global InCh: International Journal of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • Cama, S. (2022). Goncharov’s Oblomov: Metahistory to Metaphysics, International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, (IJCRT).
  • Cama, S. (2022). The Diver: Adrienne Rich’s Feminism for a New Age, International Journal of All Research Education &Scientific Methods, (IJARESM).
  • Cama, S. (2022). Nightmare as Reality: An Existential Analysis of The Trial, International Journal Of English and Studies (IJOES).
  • Cama, S. (2022). Parsi Gujarati: A Marker of a Minority, International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts- IJCRT.
  • Cama, S. (2022) Floor Patterns & Purity: Parsi Chowk Decoration, Kalakalpa- IGNCA Journal of Arts.
  • Cama, S. (2023). Ecological Consciousness in the Poetry of Blake & Yeats: ‘The Chestnut Tree’, International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities: The Research Post.

Journal Publications:

  • Presented Paper titled “An Ancient Spiritual Bond: The Yasna and the Yagna of Iran and India” at Conference The Asian Cultural Dialogues on Cultural Diversity and Co-operation held during 13-15 January 2018, Ferdowsi University, Mashaad, Iran.

Others:

  • Cover Story ‘Cama’s Crusades’, Parsiana Journal on 21st  March, 2017.
  • Launched on July 29, 2017, the Jiyo Parsi Advertisement Campaign Phase -2 in Mumbai at K.R. Cama Oriental Institute.
  • Guide for Project on Syrian Christianity: Presentation by Jonathan Koshy on 17th November 2017 at IIC, New Delhi, In Search of Ephrem the Saint: Suriani and the Materiality of Faith.
  • Produced and wrote the script of ‘Not Just Milk &Sugar’, Film released on 23rd December at Udvada Utsav by Hon’ble Minister for Minority Affairs, Mr. M. Naqvi.
  • Cama, S. (2017). Introductions to the four books: The Indian Parsis, Themes Old and New edited by Shalini Bharat, Armaity S. Desai, ISBN: 978-93-860-4292-7 (HB), Contemporary Parsis, Marriage, Family and Community by Shalini Bharat, ISBN: 978-93-860-4292-7 (HB), The World of Indian Parsi Youth, Status and Perceptions by Lata Narayan, ISBN: 978-93-860-4292-7 (HB), The Parsi Elderly, To Live with Dignity by Siva Raju, ISBN: ISBN: 978-93-860-4292-7 (HB).
  • Cama, S. (February 2017). ‘Culture in Changing World’ in the FEZANA Journal
  • Cama, S. (2015). Represented the Zoroastrian community at a two day international conference conducted by His Holiness, The Dalai Lama A Meeting of Diverse Spiritual Traditions in India: Promoting Human Values and Inter-religious Harmony. Her speech at the Plenary has been published in a book based on the papers of this conference, March 2015.
  • Cama, S. (2015). Produced a film India Presents Navroze as part of the SNA, Ministry of Culture submission in Paris for the UNESCO ICH programme, December, 2014-January, 2015.
  • Cama, S. (2014). Presented the first Google Cultural Institute online exhibition on Zoroastrianism From Persia to Akbar’s Court. This is part of an ongoing Series of which she is the Curator for GCI, 31st July, 2014.
  • Cama, S. (2014). Invited by the Irish Embassy to speak on W. B. Yeats to commemorate 150 years of Yeats, at a two day seminar held in conjunction with DU at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, 2014.
  • Cama, S. (2010). Produced and edited for UNESCO Parzor Apru Navsari: An Interactive CD, on the history and culture of the town of Navsari, 2010.
  • Cama, S. (2008). Zoroastrianism: Tradition & Transmission, a lecture in the Dialogues of Faith Series at the India International Centre, 3rd May, 2008.
  • Cama, S. (2007). Interviewed Dr. Dastur Kotwal Hea ad Priest of the Parsis for the NMM (National Manuscript Mission) magazine Kriti Rakshana, June, 2007.
  • Cama, S. (2004). Invited to represent India at Tehran for the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism Conference for the Multi National Candidature File Preparation for the UNESCO 3rd Proclamation of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, July-August, 2004.
  • Cama, S. (2000).The Monajat: Enduring Traditions, International Workshop ‘Shruti’ jointly organised by the IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts) and the South Asia Institute, University of Heidelberg, on 11th November, 2000.
  • Cama, S. (1999). Unity and Interdependence: The Zoroastrian Tradition and Nature and The Zoroastrian Statement on Nature, the National Consultation on Religion and Conservation, organised by WWF, New Delhi, 1999.

Awards:

  • Mazda Education Foundation Award for Education in Research, Science & Technology, Research & Action in Culture & Demographics, Federation of Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, National, 1999.
  • Outstanding Contribution Award for Services to the Zoroastrian Community, Cultural Research & Community Service, Mancherji Joshi Memorial Trust, National, 2004.
  • UNESCO ICH Intangible Cultural Heritage Award for Navroze, Research at International level & revival of tradition across Central Asia, UNESCO, International. Following this Navroze was declared the International Day of Spring by the 71st General Assembly of the UN, 2009.
  • Award for Excellence, Research and Revival in Craft, UNESCO, International competition with over 182 countries, 2008.
  • Award for Excellence, Research and Revival in Craft, UNESCO, International competition with over 182 countries, 2012.
  • Award for Excellence in NGO Sector, Research, Revival & Community Service, Government of Delhi, National, 2018.
  • Award for Life Long Dedication and contribution in preserving and promotion of Parsi Zoroastrian Culture & Heritage through UNESCO Parzor, Research, Revival & Community Service, Trustees of Shree Parsi Punchayat Vadodara, National, 2013.
  •  Award for ‘Pioneering Meaningful Change for Social and Humanitarian Causes and Being a Source of Strength in the Community’, World Zarthushti Community Service Award. Awarded at 12th World Zoroastrian Congress, WZC, New York City, International, 2022.
  • Outstanding Zarthushti Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2022. Zarthushti Enterprise, World Zarthusthi Chamber of Commerce, International – London, UK, International, 2023.